UAE residents planning to sponsor relatives or friends for a visit visa in 2026 should be aware that the minimum salary requirement depends on their relationship with the visitor.
According to rules set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), there are three different income requirements for residents who want to sponsor visitors:
First-degree relatives: Minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month
Second- and third-degree relatives: Minimum salary of AED 8,000 per month
Friends: Minimum salary of AED 15,000 per month
The dollar figures are based on the UAE Central Bank reference exchange rate of AED 3.6725 per US dollar on September 25, 2026.
Who qualifies as a first-degree relative?
First-degree relatives include parents, spouses, sons and daughters.
UAE residents earning at least AED 4,000 per month can sponsor eligible family members in this category, subject to the other visa requirements.
What about siblings, grandparents and grandchildren?
Siblings, grandparents and grandchildren are classified as second-degree relatives. Uncles, aunts and cousins fall under the third-degree category.
Residents sponsoring visitors from either of these categories need to earn at least AED 8,000 per month.
Sponsoring a friend
The salary requirement is higher when a UAE resident wants to sponsor a friend who is not a relative.
According to the ICP classification, a friend is considered a non-relative, and the sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000.
Proof of relationship is required
Residents applying to sponsor relatives may also need to provide documents proving their relationship with the visitor.
The ICP requires proof of kinship for applicable family visit visa applications, so applicants should make sure they have the necessary supporting documents before submitting their application.
These salary requirements are one part of the UAE visit visa process, and applicants should also meet the other applicable visa and documentation requirements.